The month of August will bring two spectacular supermoons, providing skywatchers with a double lunar treat. The first supermoon, known as the sturgeon moon, will be visible on Tuesday, while the second one, a rare blue supermoon, will grace the skies at the end of the month. These supermoons are part of the four supermoon events expected in 2023, with two occurring in August.
So, what exactly is a supermoon? A supermoon happens when the moon is at its fullest during its closest approach to Earth in its orbit. This proximity gives the moon a larger and brighter appearance compared to a typical full moon. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a supermoon can appear up to 8% bigger and 16% brighter than usual. Typically, the moon’s orbit ranges between 226,000 and 251,000 miles from Earth, with the closest three or four approaches each year qualifying as supermoons.
The sturgeon supermoon, named after Native American tribes who associated it with the abundance of giant sturgeons in the Great Lakes during summer, will reach its peak illumination at 2:32 p.m. ET on Tuesday. To catch a glimpse of this phenomenon, look southeast after sunset.
Following the sturgeon supermoon, the rare blue supermoon will make its appearance. The term “blue moon” refers to the second full moon in a single calendar month. However, it can also describe the third of four full moons in an astrological season. Contrary to popular belief, blue moons are not as rare as their name suggests, occurring every two and a half years. On the other hand, blue supermoons are far less frequent. The last one occurred in December 2009, and the next won’t appear until August 2032.
This year’s blue supermoon will peak at 9:36 p.m. ET on August 30. It will be the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2023, as it will be exceptionally close to Earth at a distance of 222,043 miles, nearly 17,000 miles closer than average.
To witness these celestial events, you can use the moonrise calculator provided by the Farmer’s Almanac to determine the visibility of the blue supermoon in your area. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to marvel at the splendor of the lunar double feature this summer.
